Cornerstone Club Celebrates Record Attendance at Coastal Weekend

UNC School of Law’s Cornerstone Club broke attendance records at its Weekend on the Coast event March 7-9, as members – donors who give $10,000 or more to the School annually – gathered in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach for three days of connection, history, and shared purpose. The event narrowly surpassed the previous attendance record set in Raleigh, with alumni from across generations coming together to celebrate their commitment to Carolina Law. 

“It was the best Cornerstone weekend ever,” said Emmett Haywood ’82, who alongside her sister Mary Denison ’81, hosted the gathering in their hometown. 

The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner at Denison’s waterfront home on Cedar Island, where attendees enjoyed stunning views of the intracoastal waterway and Masonboro Island under a canopy of live oak trees. Between savory local cuisine and catching up with fellow alumni and friends, guests heard from Scott Vaughn ’86, who co-chairs the Cornerstone Club with his wife LouAnn. Vaughn highlighted the club’s impressive collective impact: 121 members strong, contributing over $3.3 million to the law school last year alone and more than $17.2 million over the club’s 10-year history. 

This financial support provides crucial resources that allow Dean Martin H. Brinkley ’92 to maintain Carolina Law’s commitment to excellence and accessibility while broadening its reach during challenging times for public law schools. The funds flow into scholarships and innovative programs, with special emphasis on initiatives that open doors of opportunity to promising students.   

With Wilmington natives Haywood and Denison as guides, attendees embarked on a journey through the Port City’s rich and complex history. The group toured the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum (which has family ties to the sisters), wandered through the 18th-century Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, and marveled at Thalian Hall — a magnificent historic theater where cannon balls once rolled across the ceiling to simulate thunder during performances. 

“Even if you come as a tourist, you don’t necessarily know all these things,” Haywood noted, as many participants discovered aspects of Wilmington they might have missed on casual visits. 

The weekend took on particular depth during a discussion of “Wilmington’s Lie” with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and UNC alum David Zucchino ’73, Dean Brinkley, and Reggie Shuford ’91. Their conversation dove into the 1898 coup d’état in Wilmington — a painful chapter in the city’s history that, as Haywood reflected, is only now being fully acknowledged. This thought-provoking exploration of difficult history sparked rich discussions that continued throughout the weekend, showcasing the deep thinking and genuine curiosity that draws Cornerstone members together. 

Between scheduled tours and talks, the weekend offered plenty of opportunities for authentic connections. The Saturday evening gathering at Haywood’s home featured a Low Country boil and oyster roast, with the group bonding over shared Carolina pride as they watched the UNC vs. Duke “Battle of the Blues” basketball game. These relaxed moments of conversation, laughter, and camaraderie are as integral to Cornerstone Weekends as the formal programming. 

“Scott and I always look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new folks on these weekend retreats,” LouAnn Vaughn shared, emphasizing how these relationships strengthen the Carolina Law community. 

For Troy Homesley ’17, attending his first Cornerstone Weekend with his wife Sonya Khattak was a revelation. The experience left him feeling “inspired, rejuvenated, and excited not only about the practice of law, but about the future of the School.” Homesley was drawn to join the Cornerstone Club by a desire to give back to the institution that shaped his career. 

Looking ahead, the Vaughns plan to expand the club’s presence in New York, Charlotte, and Raleigh through targeted outreach efforts. They were particularly encouraged by the number of younger alumni joining their ranks at the Wilmington event, signaling a bright future for the club’s continued impact. 

At its heart, the Cornerstone Club exists “to encourage Carolina Law graduates to stay engaged in the life of the School and to contribute meaningfully to ensure continued access to a high-quality legal education for all corners of North Carolina,” as LouAnn Vaughn explained. 

With the success of the Wilmington weekend still fresh in their minds, the Cornerstone community is already looking forward to reuniting during Cornerstone Weekend in the High Country, November 7-9 at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. The mountain setting promises new adventures and connections as the club continues its tradition of supporting Carolina Law across all regions of the state.